Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA — Wednesday, May 28, 2014: Featuring more than 35 of the world’s most influential kiteboarders, the prestigious 2014 Venyu Triple-S Invitational runs May 31 to June 6 at REAL Watersports in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

With a whopping $40,000 up for grabs, riders will compete in three disciplines — Surf, Slicks, and Sliders — showcasing the planet’s most progressive kiteboarding action for a full week. Given the event’s unique freeride element, riders will not just compete, but also push each other — and the sport as a whole — to the next level. Offering world-class flatwater and wave conditions, the Venyu Triple-S Invitational features the REAL Slider Park — the world’s finest kite park — which is comprised of state-the-art features (two kickers and three massive rails).

The 2013 event saw big changes: a team of judges and a slopestyle format for the Slider discipline. The 2014 Venyu Triple-S Invitational includes further evolution, as the new Slider format will involve a structured freeride/jam qualifier, and slopestyle for the semi-finals and finals. Plus, there’s a live video feed in The Slick!

The Surf discipline has undergone major evolution too. Rather than surfing the waves as in year’s past, competitors will throw down their best wakestyle tricks off the watery kickers. (More details about format changes later this week.)

As the sport’s most original and influential event, the Venyu Triple-S Invitational is not just about what happens on the water. For this 9th annual event, spectators can expect nine parties, nine bands, and a bikini fashion show! All Venyu Triple-S action is open to the public, including the opening ceremony and awards dinners.